Senior White House and State Department officials resisted efforts by U.S. military leaders to prepare for the evacuation weeks before Kabul’s fall, placing American troops in greater danger, according to sworn testimony from commanders involved in the operation.
Presidents refusing advice of generals is nothing new and often benefits America Lt. Col. (ret.) Daniel L. Davis 2 hours ago President Joe Biden speaks from the Treaty Room in the White House about the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan on April 14, 2021, in Washington. (Andrew Harnik/Pool via Getty Images) After months of internal debate, President Biden announced on April 14 that the U.S. would completely withdraw U.S. forces from Afghanistan by the 20th anniversary of 9/11. News outlets devoted much ink to the revelation that such a decision went against the advice of his senior military advisers, who had argued against full withdrawal. Before giving blind fealty to the opinions of generals and admirals, however, it might be useful to consider their historical track record.